John Manson – Langford City Engineer
Chilled above ground and sweltering below, City Centre Park’s new ice rink has ambitious plans to host one of the most efficient heat-capture systems in North America.
“Other languages like French and German often use more exact terms than English for 'stormwater' and 'wastewater', and this changes how relationships and worth are perceived,” states Robert Hicks.
The program builds on a growing consensus among the Environmental Protection Agency and green development advocates that green infrastructure can be an effective tool to help reduce stormwater overflows.
“As biological creatures, we depend on natural capital and its ecosystem services to sustain the health and well-being of our families and communities. But these benefits are often taken for granted by decision-makers on land-use issues,” says Dr. Faisal Moola, Science Director of the Suzuki Foundation.
“A large number of individuals in the community worked very hard over the last nine months to produce this plan. It is both a visionary statement and a practical tool that will guide decision-making as we move forward,” stated Kim Charlesworth.
Report examines the extent of natural capital — forests, fields, wetlands and waterways — in BC's Lower Mainland region and estimates non-market economic values for some of the benefits these ecosystems provide.
“The guide is meant to assist communities of all types: large, small, rural, resort-based, urban, and suburban. It is designed to help maximize both creativity and adaptability to varied scales, specific contexts, and changing on-the-ground conditions,” stated Dr. Laura Tate. “A key theme in A Guide to Green Choices is the notion of integration. It stems from a belief that the solid efforts already being made could be even stronger if they work together in the right direction — not at cross-purposes.”
Released in November 2009, ‘Water Balance Model for Canada – The Plan for the Future’ is a comprehensive document that will guide tool enhancement over the next three years. “In Alberta, the Water for Life Strategy and Land Stewardship Act provide a framework for efforts that will help Alberta achieve a better balance between economic growth and environmental / social values,” stated Liliana Bozic. “Water for Life and the Land Stewardship Act promote sustainable use of water resources in Alberta.”
“Formation of the society is a pivotal milestone in the history of the WBM. Over the years, various people have asked us who owns the WBM. Now when we answer ‘the Partnership owns it’, it will be crystal clear to everyone that the Partnership is in fact a legal entity. This evolution is important to our funders becauses it increases our ability to obtain grants for ongoing enhancement of WBM capabilities,” stated Ted van der Gulik.
Andy Reese (120p)
The article is provocative in pointing out that some methodologies can be used to obtain any number of “correct” answers. This approach contrasts with a compilation of current and acceptable state of the practice.
